Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coarse, rough fabric: A type of cloth, typically made from goat's hair, flax, or hemp, that is very coarse and resembles the material used for making sacks.
   • A garment made of this fabric: A piece of clothing, such as a tunic or loincloth, made from this coarse cloth. Historically, wearing such a garment was a public sign of mourning, deep grief, or penitence.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The prophet wore sackcloth as a sign of mourning for the city.
  • In ancient times, people would put on sackcloth and ashes to show their repentance.

Advanced Usage

• "In sackcloth and ashes": An idiom meaning to be in a state of deep mourning, grief, or penitence. It originates from the ancient practice of wearing coarse sackcloth and sprinkling ashes on one's head as an outward sign of inner sorrow or repentance.
  • After the scandal, the CEO came before the public in sackcloth and ashes, apologizing profusely for the company's failures.

Variants and Related Words

• Sack (n): A large bag made of a coarse material. Note: While "sackcloth" is the fabric, a "sack" is the bag made from such fabric or similar materials.
• Sacking (n): A coarse fabric similar to sackcloth, often used for making sacks.

Synonyms

• Haircloth: A stiff fabric woven from horsehair or camel hair, sometimes used for similar purposes of mortification.
• Burlap: A coarse woven fabric made from jute or hemp, similar in texture and use to sackcloth.

Related Idioms

• "Wear sackcloth": To show extreme contrition or grief.
  • The politician was forced to wear sackcloth after his offensive remarks were made public.

Noun

1. a coarse cloth resembling sacking
2. a garment made of coarse sacking; formerly worn as an indication of remorse